Domain: NC Foundations for Early Learning: Health and Physical Development (HPD)

Subdomain: Motor Development

Goal: Children develop the large muscle control and abilities needed to move through and explore their environment.

Skill Progression: Locomotion: Crawling/walking/running

Age: 4-6 Months

You may choose a different domain, go back, or click on a skill below for more information.

Observe the infant with the adult on the floor.

The adult draws the child’s attention with her face and/or a favorite toy. The adult stays at the child’s eye level and moves back slowly encouraging the child to come to the adult or to get the toy. Watch how the infant maneuvers to get to the adult.

Arms and legs are the engines of movement and the tummy is the “wheel.” The infant moves forward primarily by pulling with the arms and pushing with the legs. She moves backward by pushing with the arms.

Early childhood educators and parents often do not realize how their faces motivate the infant. Infants want to see and touch them. This means that adults who are willing to get down to eye level with the infant on the floor can encourage her to move toward them. Toys are also motivating, but at this age, faces are more so. Encourage early childhood educators and parents to play at eye level with the child, especially on the floor, where the child can practice pushing and pulling limb movements.